In the last year that the Bureau of Justice released Crime Statistics (2004)

–77% of all crime was property related

–On average nearly 17 % of all crime domiciles were violated by a burglar

–In 85% of burglaries, the offender gained entry into the house or other building.

Ask any expert in the field and they will tell you that 90% of all burglaries are preventable. So if the odds are so good that it will happen to you and it is such a preventable event-what is it you have to do to stop the burglars? I am so glad you asked. Sometimes the best home security is implemented when you are the one making the assessment and any corrective action- a do it yourself home security plan.

Here are home security tips to think about that will definitely discourage or flat out stop a potential intruder from entering your house. It is not an all inclusive list but one that if followed will certainly go a long way toward making your home more secure.

1. Take a critical look at your house from the outside. Is your house well lit? Are there hiding places near doors and windows? If you can spot a potential weakness in your home's "look" you can bet a professional burglar can exploit it. Remember that light is a burglars' enemy-darkness a friend.

2. What could slow down a burglar from entering your home? Simple home security devices such as locks on doors(deadbolts are best) and windows, bars, grates-items that are visible from the exterior of the house will not only act as a deterrent but slow down an intruder should he decide to try to enter. The more time it takes to break into a home, the more discouraged a burglar will become. Time is the enemy of the burglar.

3. How noisy can you make it if someone gains entry? Noise is also the enemy of the burglar. There are many home security alarms activated by doors or windows opening or by motion. The sound of a barking dog, real or recorded, are very effective and will scare most burglars away.

Lights, noise and time-they are the three biggest enemies of an intruder. If you implement these home security tips to fortify your house you may well avoid a lot of potential break-ins. But there are some other things that will help as well.

–Move valuables away from outside view. Don't risk tempting someone. Consider putting small valuables in Diversion Safes.

–Start or join a neighborhood watch. Strangers usually stick out in a neighborhood and should be reported immediately to police.

–Make your house look occupied when you are gone. Burglars are much less likely to consider a house they feel is occupied.

–Lock your doors and windows Even when you are gone for a short period of time. Summertime presents a huge temptation to leave doors or windows open. Don't give in to the temptation. I have seen so many garage doors open only one or two feet to let the heat out-just enough to let a burglar in.

Many police departments as a public service will offer advice on how to make your home more secure. Call for availability in your area.

There are several simple things you can do to make your home less prone to intrusion by a burglar. Start with an assessment on how to make your home well lit, more secure, and in the event of an entry-how to make it very noisy. Light, time, and noise are the enemies of the professional burglar.

Jack Krohn started Security Solutions to help people prevent crime. His websites http://www.aaa-safetyfirst.com/cybereye.htm,

http://www.aaa-safetyfirst.com/keepi.htm,

and http://www.aaa-safetyfirst.com/electronicwatchdog.htm offer unique, hard to find products for self defense, home security and professional high tech surveillance equipment for homes and business.